KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 - Malaysia may ban visitors from carrying mobile phones in hospital wards in a bid to stop voyeurs taking indecent pictures of patients, a top official said Sunday.

The New Sunday Times said patients answering the call of nature or undergoing medical procedures that require removal of clothing have been photographed.

"We have to protect the rights of patients," Ismail was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The plan comes a week after the government dumped a plan to allow mobile phones in schools after the move sparked an outcry from both teachers and parents.